Damaged Diamonds - How To Minimise The Risk

Everybody knows that diamonds are extremely hard. It is a common phrase to hear that "diamonds are the hardest known material to man!" and indeed, diamond as a substance, is the hardest known natural material.

What that doesn't mean though, is that diamonds are indestructible.

Diamonds can be broken, damaged, fractured, chipped and cracked, like every other precious gemstone. Every jeweller sees damaged or broken diamonds on a regular basis and there is sometimes an uncomfortable conversation when a client brings in a piece of jewellery with a damaged diamond.

The sad fact is that accidents do happen and jewellery and gemstones, including diamonds, can and are, frequently damaged. Two things that have no bearing on the situation are the value of the piece, or how long a person has worn it for. The point that the wearer may not know how the damage occurred is also irrelevant.

Jewellery and watches come into contact with other hard and sharp objects, sometimes without us realising and sometimes with tremendous force. This can understandably result in damage occurring.

Minimising the Risk

Not wearing your diamond jewellery is the only way to guarantee it is never damaged, and that is a ridiculous notion. Jewellery is designed to be worn and enjoyed and so instead, we can instead try and minimise the risk of damage.

2. Be mindful of things you do at work or home that involve contact with other metals and harsh chemicals.

3. Check your diamond settings regularly, so your claws and other settings that are holding your diamond secure in the piece of jewellery. If these are worn, weak or damaged your diamond might be at a higher risk of either falling out or of being damaged. If in doubt, get a reputable jeweller to check your jewellery for you every year or two.

The fact that diamonds can be damaged should not put anybody off buying or wearing jewellery. Diamonds should be celebrated and worn with pride.

If accidental damage does occur, seek out a good jeweller who may be able to offer some solutions, such as having the diamond re-cut or having it re-set to hide any damage.

And, make sure you are adequately insured. The likelihood is you will never need to claim, but if damage does occur, you will be glad you took out the right insurance policy.

We recommend specialist jewellery insurer T H March, but shop around and see which insurer is best for you.